By MC2 Michael Ehrlich

Sonarman Petty Officer First Class Noel Van Bibber emotionally recounts his most memorable moments of combat while serving on the USS Chincoteague (AVP 24) from 1943 through 1946, from his home at the Carmel Hills Care Center, Nov. 6. During its World War II service, the Chincoteague received six battle stars, the purple heart, the combat action ribbon and many more medals and awards.

"They thought they had us. We were out of power, filling with water, full of bullet holes, and the ship was tipped about 30 degrees," described Van Bibber, who shared his story with NPS thanks to efforts of staff at the Central Coast Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice. "We didn't know what to do, we were bailing water out mostly, and pretty soon we started closing hatches down below… we got through the day."

The Chincoteague had suffered a direct hit, a bomb had dropped down the smoke stack, through the mess hall and exploded in the engine room killing 13 Sailors. Van Bibber describes how this event did not break the spirit of the crew.

"That night, we were dead in the water, but we sat there on the deck with a guitar and sang songs until midnight… one group sang songs while the other group was bailing water, then they switched. They were the good times," said Van Bibber. "In my four and a half years in the Navy, the only time I really cried was that night."

With the annual Veteran's Day holiday around the corner, Van Bibber offered his own thoughts on how he celebrates and commemorates those who have served.

"I think that the average man that fought for the U.S. Navy was without a doubt the bravest person I ever knew," said Van Bibber. "They stepped into the line of fire, and did everything they needed to do to fight for their country."